80 – 71

80. High Tension (2003)

Alexandre Aja’s High Tension is a brutal and visceral experience that keeps audiences on edge from start to finish. Following the story of two friends, Marie and Alex, who are stalked by a merciless killer, Aja crafts an intense atmosphere, amplified by graphic violence and relentless pacing. The film dives into a shocking psychological twist, one that remains polarising among audiences but is undeniably impactful. Aja’s female-focused narrative is refreshing, giving the film an emotional anchor as Marie struggles with her own demons.

The movie’s power lies in its unyielding approach to horror and its willingness to explore disturbing themes. While divisive, High Tension remains a standout due to Aja’s bold vision and refusal to compromise, balancing moments of terror with psychological complexity. It’s a testament to Aja’s craft, with High Tension being an early indication of his potential as one of horror’s boldest voices of the 21st century.

79. Black Phone (2021)

A masterclass in psychological horror, Session 9 unfolds within the confines of an abandoned mental asylum, where a group of asbestos removers confronts their own buried fears. Brad Anderson’s direction meticulously crafts an atmosphere thick with dread, allowing the decaying walls of the asylum to echo the internal struggles of its characters. The slow-burn tension builds as past traumas resurface, intertwining with the haunting history of the asylum itself. This unsettling exploration of the human psyche is underscored by an extraordinary performance from the ensemble cast, each member bringing a raw authenticity to their roles.

The film’s pacing is deliberate, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its creeping dread. The eerie score and haunting visuals amplify the atmosphere, creating an overwhelming sense of inevitability that culminates in a chilling conclusion. Over time, Session 9 has earned a reputation as a hidden gem in horror cinema, resonating with audiences for its profound psychological depth and visceral impact.

Movie Review: Black Phone (2021)

78. The Devil’s Candy (2015)

Sean Byrne’s follow-up to The Loved Ones is The Devil’s Candy, a psychological horror film that dives deep into the fusion of art, music, and terror. The story centers on a struggling artist who becomes obsessed with disturbing visions after moving his family into a farmhouse with a dark history. The film’s score and visual style create a hauntingly immersive experience, with the horror escalating as the artist’s nightmares take on a life of their own.

Byrne builds a narrative that is both frightening and touching, exploring the sacrifices people make for their art and the demons that can come with it. The film’s soundtrack pulses with energy, underscoring the narrative’s darker themes and Byrne’s visceral approach to fear. The Devil’s Candy may have slipped under the radar, but it deserves recognition as one of the more unique horror films of recent years.

77. Unsane (2018)

Unsane is a psychological thriller that challenges the audience’s perception of reality and mental health, shot entirely on an iPhone by director Steven Soderbergh. Claire Foy delivers a powerful performance as a woman wrongfully committed to a mental institution, facing unimaginable psychological torment while doubting her own sanity. Soderbergh’s use of the iPhone creates a claustrophobic, voyeuristic effect that enhances the unsettling atmosphere, immersing viewers into the protagonist’s fractured mental state.

While divisive, Unsane is a bold experiment in style and substance, with Soderbergh blurring the lines between thriller and horror. The film’s gritty aesthetic and Foy’s raw performance elevate it, drawing viewers into a narrative where reality is as unstable as the protagonist’s sense of self. It’s a film that challenges perceptions, leaving viewers with lingering unease about the thin line between sanity and delusion.

Movie Review: Unsane (2018)

86. Infested (2023)

Tomas Vanicek’s Infested taps into primal fears, bringing a nerve-wracking, arachnid horror film to life that has made waves in Hollywood. The story follows residents in a quarantined apartment building as they’re terrorized by a horde of deadly spiders, trapped with nowhere to run. Vanicek’s direction builds relentless tension, capturing the intensity of survival and the horrors of claustrophobia as characters face swarms of spiders that threaten their lives.

With impressive visuals and a taut narrative, Infested stands out as a high-octane creature feature, delivering thrills and terror for audiences brave enough to endure it. Vanicek’s skillful pacing and jaw-dropping moments have made it a hot contender for horror film of the year, proving that even in a genre filled with similar themes, there’s always room for a fresh take that burrows into viewers’ minds.

Movie Review: Infested (2024)

75. Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)

In Bubba Ho-Tep, director Don Coscarelli delivers a darkly humorous twist on horror by pairing two unlikely heroes—an elderly Elvis Presley and JFK, who team up to battle a soul-sucking mummy in their nursing home. Bruce Campbell shines in one of his most memorable roles outside of Evil Dead, bringing a mix of humour and heart to his portrayal of Elvis. Coscarelli’s film is a genre-defying tale that balances horror with comedic and existential themes, creating a uniquely moving experience.

The film explores aging, friendship, and redemption, all while delivering a fun and thrilling horror narrative. Campbell’s performance and the film’s inventive premise have earned Bubba Ho-Tep cult status, with fans praising its mix of humour and horror. It’s a quirky horror-comedy that manages to be both ridiculous and heartfelt, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

74. The Invitation (2015)

Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation is a slow-burn thriller that builds an atmosphere of mounting dread. When Will attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband, he senses something deeply unsettling about the evening and the other guests. Kusama’s direction keeps the tension simmering, drawing viewers into a story that questions social niceties and the nature of trust within friendships.

Through a series of unsettling reveals, The Invitation pulls the audience into a tightly wound narrative that keeps them guessing until the shocking conclusion. Kusama’s expert pacing and the cast’s strong performances make this a standout in psychological horror. With its rich atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, The Invitation is an example of how horror can reveal unsettling truths about human nature.

73. Birth/Rebirth (2023)

Birth/Rebirth takes a modern approach to the Frankenstein narrative, exploring the ethical and emotional limits of grief and science. Laura Moss and Brendan J. O’Brien craft a narrative centered on Dr. Rose, a socially detached pathologist, and Celie, a grieving mother. The two form an unlikely bond as they attempt to resurrect Celie’s daughter, each grappling with personal demons as they push the boundaries of morality in their pursuit.

The film’s strengths lie in its tightly woven script, sharp performances, and its bold exploration of trauma and obsession. Moss injects moments of dark humour into the macabre narrative, allowing the characters’ emotions to pulse through the story’s bleak tone. Birth/Rebirth is a fresh take on a classic horror story, capturing the Frankenstein myth’s haunting essence with a contemporary lens.

Movie review: Birth/Rebirth (2023)

72. The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020)

Jim Cummings brings a fresh voice to the werewolf genre with The Wolf of Snow Hollow, a film that combines horror, humour, and small-town mystery. As a string of grisly murders strikes a snowy town, an anxious sheriff—played by Cummings—finds himself grappling with his own inner turmoil as he tries to solve the case. The film is often described as Fargo meets Sleepy Hollow, and its quirky characters and dark humour set it apart from typical horror fare.

Cummings balances tension and levity, creating a film that’s as much a character study as it is a horror mystery. The film’s unique blend of comedy and dread makes it a sleeper hit in modern horror, and its exploration of personal demons and community dynamics gives it emotional weight.

71. Let Me In (2010)

Matt Reeves’ Let Me In, a remake of the Swedish film Let the Right One In, manages to honour the original while establishing its own haunting style. Centred on the unlikely friendship between a lonely boy and a vampire, the film retains the melancholic atmosphere of its predecessor while adding an American lens to the story. Reeves’ direction respects the original while enhancing certain horror elements, delivering a chilling and poignant experience.

While often overshadowed by the original, Let Me In deserves credit for its haunting cinematography and emotional depth. Reeves’ adaptation of John Ajvide Lindqvist’s novel captures the loneliness and longing of childhood, making it a powerful horror remake that stands on its own.

• Saul Muerte